Military Drone Proliferation Marks Destabilizing Shift in Africa’s Armed Conflicts

Military Drone Proliferation Marks Destabilizing Shift in Africa’s Armed Conflicts

A revolution in unmanned systems is reshaping the dynamics of Africa’s armed conflicts. Professional militaries must balance the tactical advantages of drones with an understanding of their limitations and risks.

The Shifting Front of Militant Islamist Violence in the Sahel

The Shifting Front of Militant Islamist Violence in the Sahel

Militant Islamist violence in the Sahel continues to shift southward and westward, putting ever more pressure on population centers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—as well as on their coastal West African neighbors.

Topic in Focus
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China in Africa

A selection of Africa Center analyses tracking China in Africa.

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Recalibrating Coastal West Africa’s Response to Violent Extremism

Coastal West African countries can strengthen resiliency to the threat of violent extremism by enhancing a multilayered response addressing local, national, and regional priorities.

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Africa’s 2025 Elections: A Test of Credibility to Uphold Democratic Norms

Democratic progress will require policymakers and journalists to recognize and prize genuine processes of democratic participation within Africa’s wide ranging 2025 electoral line up.

Criminal Gangs Destabilizing Nigeria’s North West

Bandits and militant Islamist groups from the Sahel and Lake Chad increasingly threaten border communities in Northeast Benin and North West Nigeria. These actors exploit safe havens in National parks as well as longstanding social, ethnic, and religious ties in these border areas to evade security forces. Enhanced security cooperation and coordination as well as prioritizing legitimate livelihoods are essential to stemming this threat.

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Fatalities and violent events linked to militant Islamist groups in Africa sustained near record pace, with the Sahel and Somalia accounting for 79 percent of related deaths.